With stage two of health restrictions to be eased from Monday 1 June, Council has been planning for the re-opening of a number of its cultural facilities and services.

Important safety measures will remain in place, with social distancing and basic hygiene practices encouraged.

Our six branch libraries across the Northern Beaches will re-open from next Monday. With the return of face to face library services, the last deliveries for Library2U will be this Friday 29 May.

The Home Library Service will remain available for the vulnerable and Click and Collect will also continue to help manage the visitor numbers and reduce the handling of items.

The community library at Terrey Hills, which is run by volunteers, will be open to the public from Monday 1 June, with Avalon, Seaforth and Freshwater remaining closed at this stage.

Customer Service centres at Dee Why, Manly and Mona Vale branches will also re-open next week between business hours of 8.30am - 5pm.

Customers are encouraged to avoid the queues and book an online appointment via a new service launching later this week. Contactless payments are encouraged.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum will be open from next Tuesday, welcoming visitors from 10am - 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am - 5pm every Saturday and Sunday. Bookings are essential, in one hour timeslots.

North Curl Curl’s Creative Space will open its doors next month when planned exhibitions take place while Manly’s Visitor Information Centre will also be operating from next Wednesday from 10am-4pm.

Mayor Michael Regan stressed it remains vital for everyone to follow established guidelines in place from the NSW Government.

“It’s fantastic that the state government has eased restrictions to enable us to reopen the services that we know our community have missed.

“But the message remains – keep up your guard. Please use the sanitiser provided in our facilities, reduce the use of cash and listen to the staff who are trying to keep everyone safe.

“And of course if you are sick, even with minor symptoms please get tested and stay at home.

“The closer we follow guidelines, the quicker restrictions will be eased and we will be able to open even more of our services,'' Mayor Regan said.